Bottom Line

This property, a 30-story high rise at the southern end of Waikiki, is a five-minute walk from the waterfront and offers a combination of hotel-managed suites and privately owned and rented condominiums. Because of the mixed ownership, there is less centralized regulation over construction happening in the building, which some guests have complained can be intermittently loud. It is popular with guests seeking longer stays, including families and large groups, because of the option to rent suites with kitchens. The property itself has seen better days since its cameo in the opening credits of "Hawaii Five-0", but guests have fairly consistently commented on the cleanliness of rooms, and the renovated rooms are sleek and modern.

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Oyster Hotel Review

Scene

A combination of private rentals and hotel rooms interspersed in a 60s-era building near the waterfront

The airy lobby, which has a throwback aesthetic

Built in the 1960s, this 30-story building was the erstwhile and iconic shoot location of "Hawaii Five-0"; it is now a mixed-use property overseen by a company called Aqua Hotels. The airy, spacious lobby retains the dated aesthetic with wicker furniture and marble floors, though not in an unpleasant way. Because there are larger private rental suites with full kitchens, the building is popular with tourists and groups, particularly those seeking extended stays. Guests have commented that the permanent residents occupy the pool chairs indefinitely on a daily basis and that it is difficult to enjoy this aspect of the hotel.

Location

15 minutes away from Waikiki strip on foot, steps to the beach and lagoon nearby

The hotel is barely a few steps from the bay and a calm, medium-sized lagoon, which is idea for children. It is about a 20-minute drive from the Honolulu International Airport (also accessible via public transportation). While those wanting the shopping of Waikiki will have to walk about 20 minutes, Ala Moana shopping center, the largest mall in Hawaii, is a 10-minute walk. The Modern Honolulu Hotel, a trendier hotel with a popular nightlife scene, is nearby, which guests have commented contributes to noise at night on the lower floors.

Rooms

Large rooms and suites with slightly inconsistent amenities

Full kitchen in the Basic Mountain View with Kitchen room

The rooms and suites at Ilikai are a mix of dated and renovated; renovated rooms are sleek and modern, with retro-chic patterns. Unrenovated rooms are outfitted in pastel shades and feature older carpeting. Guests seem satisfied with bed quality and cleanliness, though they have commented that the private rentals (as opposed to the rooms managed by the hotel) are not universally equipped with a standard set of amenities, including variety of cookware and size of fridges. Bathrooms can be tiny. All rooms have flatscreen LCD TVs and wired, high-speed internet included in the price.

Features

The pool, which is frequented by the permanent residents of the complex, gets crowded easily. There is a 24-hour fitness center, and a sports bar and restaurant in the hotel complex with a good happy hour; the food gets mixed reviews. The Duke Lagoon is steps away from the building and a good place for children to swim.

Bottom Line

This property, a 30-story high rise at the southern end of Waikiki, is a five-minute walk from the waterfront and offers a combination of hotel-managed suites and privately owned and rented condominiums. Because of the mixed ownership, there is less centralized regulation over construction happening in the building, which some guests have complained can be intermittently loud. It is popular with guests seeking longer stays, including families and large groups, because of the option to rent suites with kitchens. The property itself has seen better days since its cameo in the opening credits of "Hawaii Five-0", but guests have fairly consistently commented on the cleanliness of rooms, and the renovated rooms are sleek and modern.